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Philosophy
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Philosophy - Penn State Harrisburg
Alfred North Whitehead defined education as "the acquisition of the art of utilization of knowledge." In addition to fulfilling its responsibility to preserve, enrich, and transmit knowledge and application skills, Penn State Harrisburg places special emphasis on developing the student's capacity for independent judgment, creative thought, verbal and quantitative communication skills, insight, and global perspective. Moreover, we also encourage the development of individual human values and talents for use in solving the problems of a rapidly changing society. We emphasize an interdisciplinary approach, which recognizes traditional scholarship in ways that help today's students deal with issues of current and continuing importance. Finally, the College strives to impart a sense of obligation to society for the substance and process of the education received. The ultimate validation of education is the difference made to and by the recipient over a lifetime.
Philosophy of Teacher Education
The Education Programs at Penn State Harrisburg are committed to providing an integrated, sequential program of studies which adheres to rigorous academic standards in order to prepare professionals who can effectively deal with the complex and constantly changing nature of the teaching_learning process and the moment_to_moment decision_making that occurs in the classroom. An effective teacher cannot act by pattern or a rigid set of rules; what is appropriate with one individual or group will interfere with the learning of another. Teachers must be competent in using sound educational principles and in adjusting to the pupils and situations. For these reasons, students are prepared with an understanding of basic educational principles and their use in a variety of situations.
The theory provided in the teacher education program is supported by carefully designed and supervised clinical activities in a controlled environment, leading to field experiences which approximate actual teaching situations. This facilitates the transition from student to teacher. This blending of theory with practice helps the student gain an understanding of children, the role of the teacher in the classroom, the total school program, and the interrelationship of school and community.
Teacher growth must be an ongoing, developmental process, beginning early in the teacher education program and continuing throughout a teacher's career. Reflective teachers continue to demonstrate independent growth as professionals.